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Want to see all upcoming and past events in one place? Check out the SREF event calendar here!

UGA Extension Highlights How Lawns Contribute to Climate Change 

University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension publication Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast (CASE) recently released an article discussing how lawns contribute to climate change. Many things used for lawn care can contribute to climate change by emission of carbon dioxide or uptake of CO2 by removing trees in favor of grass. Fertilizers can also contribute because manufacturing fertilizer is energy-intensive and contributes to the emission of greenhouse gasses. Gas-powered lawn mowers use engines that are terrible polluters as well as emitters of greenhouse gasses. Click here to read the full article.  

The University of Florida (UF) is hosting the 4th Bark Beetle Academy. During this academy, participants will learn how to identify beetles, how to use dichotomous keys, to understand bark beetle morphology, ecology, damage, and classification. They will learn how to find and diagnose beetles in the field, build a reference collection, and network with the global community of bark beetle researchers. This academy is open to students, government employees, Extension agents, and researchers. The academy will take place October 19th to 23rd in Gainesville, FL. Click here to learn more. Click here to register.  

Newest Cohort of Advancing Georgia's Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry Announced  

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA) announced the 2022-2024 cohort for Advancing Georgia's Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL). There are 25 participants, chosen from a broad field of applicants in the forestry, agriculture, and allied sectors in Georgia. UGA Cooperative Extension leadership specialist Lauren Griffeth has been the program director for AGL since its inception in 2014. This cohort will complete five Georgia-based institutes, a Washington D.C. federal policy institute, and an option capstone experiential learning trip to learn more about carbon sequestration and sustainability in all aspects of forestry and farming. Click here to read the full article.   

USDA Discusses Planting Oaks: A Recipe for Success 

Collaborators from the University of Tennessee’s (UT) Tree Improvement Program and the Southern Region of the National Forest System (NFS) have been working together for the last 16 years as part of a decades long partnership. The partners wrote a guide specifically for the national forest silviculturists and foresters – but any landowner or forester who wants to regenerate upland oak through planting will find nuggets of wisdom between the pages. Planting oak seedlings correctly is critical to their survival, growth, and competitiveness. It is the hope that tips from this guide will help national forest managers and landowners supplement the natural oak regeneration layer with planted seedlings so that they can successfully compete and grow a new generation of oak forests where it may be desired. Click here to read the US Forest Service (USFS) article, and click here to read the guide.  

Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) assists with multiple forestry-related projects, including RNGR.net. RNGR.net is the Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources website and is sponsored by the US Forest Service (USFS). This website has resources such as the National Nursery and Seed Directory which contains a comprehensive list of all native plant nurseries in the US and Canada. RNGR.net also contains the Tree Planter’s Notes dating back to 1950, which is a publication dedicated to technology transfer and research information relating to nursery production and out planting of trees, shrubs, and native plants for reforestation, conservation, and restoration. Click here to read more about the RNGR.net site.  

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Members to Wildfire Commission 

The Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, and Homeland Security, though the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced the selection of members to the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. The Commission will play a key role in recommending ways that federal agencies can better prevent, mitigate, suppress, and manage wildfires across the United States. It will also recommend policies and strategies on how to restore the lands affected by wildfire. The commission’s work will build on existing interagency federal efforts such as the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and the White House Wildfire Resilience Interagency Working Group. Click here to read the full press release.  

USFS RFI For Organizations to Promote Firewood Bank Programs 

The United States Forest Service (USFS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), with the intention of identifying qualified organizations with the capacity to support firewood banks by managing and administering pass-through financial assistance and technical assistance. Firewood banks, modeled after food banks, provide firewood for emergency and seasonal heating of homes. The USFS will award grants of between $5,000 and $15,000 annually to the selected agencies. No fund matching is required. The RFI seeks to identify qualified organizations with the capacity to support firewood banks by managing and administering passthrough financial and technical assistance. Replies are due by August 18th. Click here to learn more. 

New Forest Atlas of the United States 

The United States Forest Service (USFS) recently released a new US forest atlas that combines inventory and monitoring information from the 1870s through the present to tell stories about the value of America’s forests and the challenges that they face. Maps and charts display details on the nation’s 823 million acres of forests and woodlands. Experts also weigh in on critical questions, such as where trees grow and why, what benefits forests provide, and what the future of forests looks like. Click here to access the atlas.

New Video from Keeping Forests Features Southern State Foresters 

Keeping Forests is a collaboration of partners seeking to create the conditions necessary to retain the South’s 245 million acres of privately-owned forests. The group recently produced a video featuring the Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF), highlighting the important connection between forest markets and maintaining healthy, sustainably managed forests. SGSF provides leadership in sustaining the economic, environmental, and social benefits of the South’s forests, which are numerous and varied. Click here to watch the video. Click here to visit the Keeping Forests website. 

2nd Annual SFLR Joint Regional Conference 

Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) will be hosting the 2nd Annual Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention (SFLR) Joint Regional Conference. This conference is an opportunity for participants to learn how to preserve the land-owned legacy, engage with a network of forestry support, retain the knowledge and keep it in the family. Foresters, African American landowners, and others interested are all encouraged to attend. The totally virtual workshop will be held on August 30-31st from 10AM – 5PM EST. Click here to register. 

US Drought Monitor Now Provides County-Level Drought Statistics 

The US Drought Monitor (USDM) recently expanded its website capabilities to provide county-level statistics on drought to their maps. This allows for farmers, foresters, and other drought observers to see the changes and conditions of drought impacts on the ground over short distances. Visitors to the USDM website will now be able to visualize what is happening locally through the use of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). By capturing the geographic nuance and providing mapping tools at a finer scale, the NDMC hopes that it will make the Drought Monitor more accessible and meaningful to stakeholders. County maps may be of use in local hazard mitigation planning, comprehensive and water planning, and other local processes that increase resilience. Click here to view the current map on the USDM website. 

USFS RFI to Address Deficiencies in Wood Product Infrastructure 

The United States Forest Service (USFS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking to identify eligible entities that can expand and accelerate wood products and wood energy markets throughout the US to support forest management needs on National Forest System (NFS) and other forest lands. There is potential USFS funding of a combined total of $2 million for collaboration with an entity(ies) to support project activities that address wood product infrastructure deficiencies. A match will be required that is equal to the amount provided by the USFS. Replies are due by August 1st. Click here to learn more. 

USDA Discusses How the Pandemic Drove Up the Cost of Wood Products 

A recent article released by the United States Department of Agriculture highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic drove up the cost of wood products. During the first year of the pandemic, prices of processed wood products, such as softwood lumber and plywood, nearly quadrupled. The pandemic triggered a worker shortage in many sectors including the forest products industry, which led to limited availability of wood products, such as softwood lumber and structural panels. The domino effect continued with supply chains further disrupted by a lack of truckers to move materials. At the end of the line where people are homebound under travel restrictions, wanting to spend more money on home improvements. Click here to read the full article from the USDA. 

UNEP Releases IPBES Assessment Report on Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature 

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) recently released a report conducted by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body comprising of 139 member governments. Established in 2012, IPBES provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and contributions they make to people. These assessments help address the current biodiversity crisis and help achieve the UNEP’s Sustainability Development Goals. Approved by representatives of the 139 Member States of IPBES, the Assessment Report on Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature finds that there is a dominant global focus on short-term profits and economic growth, often excluding the consideration of multiple values of nature in policy decisions. The results from this assessment may be used by policymakers to further inform future policy decisions that help preserve biodiversity. Click here to read the assessment. Click here to read the media release from IPBES. 

UK Woodland Owners Short Course Webinars and Tours  

The Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course (WOSC), hosted by the University of Kentucky (UK), is educating Kentucky woodland owners on why and how they can manage their woodlands, while also connecting them to those who can provide technical and financial assistance. This series will consist of four virtual sessions and one in-person tour. The four webinar topics include “Starting/Increasing Your Woodland Management Activities and Tree ID”, “Forest Health”, “Wildlife Management”, and “Woodland Management in a Changing Climate”. The in-person tour will be at either Pennyrile State Forest or Berea College Forest. The webinars will occur from 7-8:30 PM EST on July 19th, 21st, 26th, and 28th. The tours will take place on August 6th or August 13th. Click here to register.   

Interested in more webinars on-demand? Check out the Forestry Webinar Portal! Click here to subscribe.

Longleaf Alliance Seeks Analysis Contractor 

The Longleaf Alliance is currently seeking proposals for a contractor to produce a GIS-based Longleaf Pine Sustainability Analysis (LSA). The primary role of the LSA Contractor is to develop a weighted model for the longleaf pine ecosystem to support the identification of restoration and management investments for the next 15 years of America’s Longleaf. This is a remote position within the US. The deadline for proposal submissions is August 5th. Click here to read more or to submit a proposal. 

NCSU Extension Associate Prescribed Fire & Fire Science 

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University (NSCU) is seeking an effective and dynamic educator to fill the Extension Associate in Prescribed Fire and Fire Science position. This is a full-time, 12-month professional staff position within the department’s 10-person Extension Forestry team. This position is based in Raleigh, NC, but requires travel throughout NC. Duties include conducting coordination, implementation, and education and outreach components of the Southern Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) Comprehensive Strategy for Prescribed fire in the Southeast US. Applications for this position will remain open until the position has been filled. Click here to view the full job description or to apply.  

Mississippi State University Assistant Professor 

The North Mississippi Research and Extension Center (MNREC) is currently seeking an Assistant Professor to lead the Forestry Extension program based at the NMREC in Verona, Mississippi. This is a 100% Extension 12-month tenure-track faculty appointment. Duties include providing leadership to Forestry Extension programming in Northeast Mississippi and serving as a resource to County Extension Agents, developing a robust Extension program in forestry based on needs assessments and funding opportunities. A Ph.D. in Forestry is required, and a minimum of five years of Extension experience is preferred. This position has an anticipated appointment date of August 15th. Click here to view the full job description or apply.  

Mississippi State University Forest Health/Silviculture Assistant/Associate Professor 

Mississippi State University is now accepting applications for a Forest Health/Silviculture Assistant/Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry, College of Forestry Resources on Mississippi State University’s main campus in Starkville, MS. This appointment is 88% Extension and 12% Teaching. This is a tenure track position. This position participates in the department’s statewide forestry Extension and research program in the areas of silviculture and forest health. Responsibilities include planning, developing, and implementing educational programs through short courses, workshops, and field days. A Ph.D. in silviculture, forest management, or a related field is required, and all but dissertation (ABD) applicants will also be considered. Screening of applicants will begin on August 1, 2022, and will continue until a suitable applicant is found. Click here to apply or learn more. 

UGA Cooperative Extension 4-H Program Assistant 

The University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Athens-Clarke County office is currently accepting applications for a 4-H Program Assistant. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position located in Athens-Clarke County. The Program Assistant will perform duties necessary to assist the County Extension agent in the day-to-day conduction of the 4-H and Youth Development program. Strong organization and other soft skills, working knowledge of office practices and procedures, and the ability to use independent judgment and discretion are preferred. Click here to apply or learn more.  

NSCU Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist in Land Retention 

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University (NSCU) is seeking applications for a full-time 12-month, tenure-track, assistant professor position in forestry with emphasis on land retention, incentive programs, and taxation for non-industrial private forest landowners. This position is 75% extension, 15% teaching and mentoring, and 10% research. Duties include developing an innovation, a state-wide extension program, to include evaluation and accountability, and seeking external funding in support of extension-related projects. A review of applications began on July 1 and will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified. Click here to view the full job description or apply.  

UC ANR Community Economic Development Advisor Positions 

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is seeking applications for a Community Economic Development UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Advisor. There are two open positions, one located in Butte County, CA, and one in Bishop, Inyo County, CA. The Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program to address high-priority needs and problems to increase community and economic development with an emphasis on the expansion of access to enhanced remote/online services. A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field (community development, agricultural economics, public policy, agribusiness) is required. Applications close on July 27th. Click here to read the full description or apply for the Butte, CA position, and click here to read the full description or apply for the Bishop, Inyo County, CA position.  

Fire Technology Transfer Specialist 

The United States Forest Service (USFS) is currently accepting applications for the Fire Technology Transfer Specialist position for Region 8. This is a permanent, full-time position at the GS 12/13 level. The position is remote, however, applicants should be willing to relocate within 275 miles of Atlanta, GA. The primary responsibilities of this position include providing decision support and coordinating research needs between scientists and field practitioners, effectively communicating among wildland fire and fuel managers, fire research scientists, technical specialists, and agency administrators within the five Federal Fire Management agencies. The USFS is accepting interest forms through July 27th. Click here to fill out the form and learn more. 

UF Research Coordinator III 

The University of Florida (UF) is currently accepting applications for a full-time Research Coordinator III on the main campus in Gainesville, FL. This position will be responsible for the Strategic Development of communications programs and relationship-building on behalf of the current and future UF programs related to promoting healthy and productive forests. They will also be responsible for Program Development work with ProForest members to define ProForest’s mission, design specific, achievable goals, and follow a strategic roadmap towards them. A Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience are preferred. Applications close on August 5th. Click here to learn more or to apply.  

Upcoming Events:  

Wood in Construction and Beyond Seminar 

The Virginia Department of Forestry in partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a one-day seminar on Wood Use in Construction from an Engineering and Architectural Viewpoint. Speakers will discuss building codes and lessons learned through mass timber and CLT projects in the area. This course is available for 4.5 LU/HSW AIA Credits. Click here to register or learn more. 

Registration is now open for the 2022 Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) conference and forestry expo. Continuing education credits will be available from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and Georgia Master Timber Harvester program. This event will take place July 29-31 at Jekyll Island, GA. Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available. Click here to learn more or register. 

Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) is hosting the Sustainable Forestry and African American and Retention Program (SFLR) Outreach Workshops. During these workshops, forestry, agriculture, and laws experts will discuss how sustainable forestry can become a multi-generational source of revenue for landowners and how landowners can navigate matters related to heirs’ property. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will also discuss technical and financial assistance available to landowners through the USDA. Workshops will be held on the second Thursday of every month at 2 PM – 5 PM EST. Click here to register. Click here to view all upcoming events from PVAM.  

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia (UGA) is hosting three workshops titled “The Landowner Series: Women in Forestry”. The first workshop will focus on tree identification, federal tree-planting incentives, and wildlife management. Click here to register.

Registration is now open for the Forisk Consulting Virtual Conference focusing on maximizing returns from timberland assets and wood-using facilities. It will include tangible content that directly applies to strategic plans, market analyses, valuations, and competitive benchmarking. Click here to register.

Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) is hosting the Sustainable Forestry and African American and Retention Program (SFLR) Legal Clinics. These clinics will offer legal education to help landowners with estate planning, wills, trust agreements, title clearing, and more. Clinic will be held on June 30th, August 25th, October 27th, and December 15th from 2 PM – 4 PM EST. Click here to register. Click here to view all upcoming events from PVAM.  

The National Association of State Foresters will be hosting their annual meeting in person with upwards of 200 forestry and wildlife leaders with the opportunity to learn about new and exciting developments in the field of forestry and explore opportunities for wood product markets, sector partnerships, and emerging biotechnologies. Click here to register.  

This is a unique opportunity for climate adaptation scientists and resource managers from across the Southeast to come together and learn from one another. All resource managers, researchers, and fish and wildlife decision-makers in the Southeastern US are encouraged to attend. Abstracts are due by July 25th. The symposium will take place from September 19-21st in Gulf Shores, AL. Click here to register or learn more. 

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia (UGA) is hosting three workshops titled “The Landowner Series: Women in Forestry”. The second workshop will focus on prescribed fire. Click here to register.

Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) is hosting the Sustainable Forestry and African American and Retention Program (SFLR) Reckoning Program. The program was designed to educate minority landowners and assist them with a general understanding and addressing their property family issues. The program session also outlines an Heirs Incubator Program, which will select five families and take them through the process as cohorts with Kaiser’s Legacy Program. Programs will take place September 28th and December 14th from 2 PM – 3 PM EST. Click here to register. Click here to view all upcoming events from PVAM.  

The Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs (ANROSP) is joining the University of California Naturalist Statewide Conference in Tahoe City, CA from October 7-9th. There is a travel scholarship fund to support ANROSP members who may wish to participate in the conference this year. Click here to register. 

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia (UGA) is hosting three workshops titled “The Landowner Series: Women in Forestry”. The third workshop will focus on federal forest incentives. Click here to register.

The Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) is a forum held at Tuskegee University for anyone who is associated with the agricultural industry. Farmers, government representatives, and land-grant faculty or staff are encouraged to attend, engage with others in the field, and explore the latest developments in agriculture and outreach. Click here to register.  

February 23-24, 2023 | Brunswick, GA

A national event to bring together women professionals and women landowners to hear various topics to enlighten women to be engaged with their land. This symposium is for new, beginning, and experienced women landowners. There will be plenary speaker, breakout sessions, and a social reception. Click here to register.  

UF Extension NATA Offering Firefighter Type I Virtual Training  

The Natural Areas Training Academy (NATA), a program of the University of Florida (UF) Cooperative Extension will be offering a virtual training for S-131 Firefighter Type I certification. This is a leadership training for experienced firefighters who at a minimum have been on 3+ burns/wildfires and have completed Basic Wildland Firefighter Type II training prior to the course. This course is designed to be interactive in nature, it contains several tactical decision games designed to facilitate learning the objective and class discussion. Topics will include fireline reference materials, communications, and tactical decision-making. There is asynchronous online coursework that is required prior to the live virtual training session. Asynchronous materials must be completed between July 11-26. The live virtual training session will take place on July 28. Click here to register or learn more.   

Southern Regional Extension Forestry | www.sref.info | lboby@sref.info